DrMonkey:

Hum, for once, allow me to disagree, I think you are widely speculating. From what I've seen, there are artists willing to experiment and try new things in China. Yes, they don't get the spotlights, but they have opportunities to show their work. I've seen a couple of expositions (at the Suzhou Cultural Center) with paintings, photomontage, video installations, etc. and it was just great. Actually, at least a good half of the works exposed were very insightful, critical views on modern China, with topics like greed, vulgarity, pollution, the condition of women, the education of kids, etc.

Samsara:

I largely agree with that, DrMonkey.

I've no doubt that art-as-commentary is alive and well (though still largely hidden), due to an increase in personal freedom and increased perception of social problems (greed, vulgarity, pollution, the condition of women, education of kids...).

I found a book the other day in Chengdu about the history of art in China. It really opened my eyes to the diversity (particularly considering how little is on display). I didn't buy it because it cost almost 2000 RMB, but I'm regretting it now.

I currently live in Central China, where people are less culturally-inclined and more greedy than anywhere else. I stand by my opinion that the general perception of art and culture in China is a narrow and restrictive one. Most of my friends in Australia were creative and all of them receptive. Of the Chinese people I associate with now, one of them fits that description.

That said, I can be a bit of a wanker.